Topeka Dentistry
Carrie Peterson, DDS & Ben Rutherford, DDS

Can a tooth that had a root canal get infected again?

You finally breathed a sigh of relief after your root canal; thankfully, you no longer worry about it, right? But what if you start feeling discomfort again? Is it possible for your tooth to get infected a second time?

The truth is, while root canals are highly effective, no procedure is immune to complications. If something doesn’t feel right, your concerns are valid. Keep reading to understand why a previously treated tooth might get reinfected.

Why Can a Treated Tooth Get Infected Again?

Root canals have a high success rate, but there are certain instances where reinfection occurs, including the following:

  • Residual bacteria — If bacteria don’t get thoroughly cleaned out during your root canal, it could remain infected.
  • Broken restoration — If the dental crown covering your affected tooth breaks or comes loose, bacteria can re-enter and cause infection.
  • New decay — If your treated tooth gets injured or develops new decay, it can lead to infection.
  • Delayed crown placement — If you wait too long to cover your treated tooth after a root canal, it’s more susceptible to infection.

Need a Root Canal in Topeka, KS?

At Topeka Dentistry, we can alleviate your discomfort with gentle root canal therapy. Our goal is to save your natural tooth and restore your oral health.

To schedule an appointment, please get in touch with our dental office at (785) 266-9100.

If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (785) 266-9100
View the ADA Accessibility Statement